You will need to sign on with your LLLID (La Leche League ID) before you can post. If you have never claimed your LLLID, create your LLLID now. To sign in, click the LLLID Sign On button in the upper right corner. Enter your LLLID Alias and click the button again.

Baby is refusing her feeds! HELP, AHH!!!

So, my LO is 2 1/2 mos. corrected and has been bottle feeding since she started taking feeds by mouth in the NICU. Last monday she began to refuse her feeds and we have NO idea why!

Let's back up a bit so you get some context! I have been practicing breast feeding with her for sometime now, and she just hadn't been interested. About a month ago I bought an SNS and some different bottles with nipples that are shaped more like mine to see if this would help, and even with those she wasn't improving. Well, skip to last Monday when she started refusing feeds...all of the sudden she was acting like she didn't like the milk, and has been taking less than 300ml of milk EACH DAY! This has been really stressful!

So, two days ago, she all of the sudden started acting like she wanted to breast feed so I popped a nipple shield on, and she just went to town! This is great to me, but (to finally get to my point and question!) I am a little concerned that she isn't getting anything to eat. I have been trying to increase my supply for the last month or so, but was still only able to get out a MAX of 2.5 oz per day. And now, just today, she is completely refusing to take a bottle and only wants to nurse. I am concerned that with the nipple shield (which she is unable to latch on without at this time) my breasts aren't being stimulated enough to produce more milk.

Do you all have any suggestions on either helping her to latch well without the shield (I have tried everything I have ever read in every breastfeeding book I know of, like stimulating her lips with my nipple, saying "Awww" to her and opening my mouth wide, opening her mouth for her, etc.!), or to stimulate milk production while using the shield?

This is just driving me nuts and we are just a little more than confused about all this, so I appreciate your help!!!! Thanks!